POLICE across Wales are torturing young prisoners and suspects in
their cells, a human rights watchdog claimed yesterday.

Suspects are assaulted by officers who also delay their access to
legal advice, according to a damning report.

The probe by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) also claimed
Cardiff Central police station's cells were "dirty and poorly
ventilated".

The CPT's investigation singled out Welsh officers for censure
after claims of assaults against prisoners.

And two jails - Parc Prison in Bridgend, south Wales, and nearby
Hillside Security Centre in Neath - were named and shamed.

HMP Parc has been dogged by suicides, a hostage-taking, riots and
an escape bid since it opened in 1997.

The report said: "A number of young persons interviewed at
both Parc Prison and Hillside Secure Centre alleged they had been
ill-treated by officers in different parts of Wales."

The investigation was carried out in February last year, but only
just published.

An inspection of Cardiff central police station found its cells
were "dirty and poorly ventilated".

The government yesterday admitted that conditions in police cells
were "not up to the desired standard".

But they said chief constables in Wales "are anxious to make
it clear that inappropriate treatment of detained persons is not
acceptable".

In a statement the government added: "All Welsh forces have
reviewed, or are reviewing, detention facilities."

Director of human rights group Liberty John Wadham said: "The
CPT raises real issues about the basic fair treatment of people in
police custody - particularly in Wales."

CAPTION(S):

SHAME: Parc Prison was highlighted in shocking report

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